The Moonlight Pact and Lingering Doubts

Liam stood in the doorway, his eyes darting between Rhys and me, taking in our proximity. The tension in the kitchen was thick enough to cut with a knife.

"Everything okay in here?" he asked, his voice tight with concern.

Before I could answer, Rhys stepped even closer to me, his chest nearly touching my back. I felt his breath on my ear as he whispered, "Is all this dress-up for him, little omega? Trying to impress Liam Thorne?"

My body stiffened. I tried to move away, but Rhys placed his hands on the counter on either side of me, effectively caging me in. I was trapped between the hard marble surface and his warm body.

"Elara?" Liam called again, taking a step forward.

"I'm fine," I managed to say, my voice steadier than I felt. "Just... just give me a minute."

Liam hesitated, clearly reluctant to leave me alone with Rhys. "I'll wait in the hallway," he finally said, his eyes never leaving Rhys's face.